As Cadbury Nigeria Plc marks its diamond jubilee, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to core principles, urging its workforce to embrace values that drive long-term success amid an evolving business landscape. In a special fireside chat commemorating the milestone, former chairman Dr. Christopher Kolade emphasized that a company’s performance is ultimately determined by the quality and commitment of its people.
Drawing inspiration from Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II, Dr. Kolade underscored the importance of adaptability while holding steadfast to ethical and business principles. He shared personal experiences from his tenure at Cadbury Nigeria, reinforcing the belief that human capital remains the cornerstone of sustainable growth and development.
Looking ahead, Cadbury Nigeria remains dedicated to innovation, quality, and profitability, ensuring that people remain at the heart of its operations. Dr. Kolade, the first indigenous CEO of the company, challenged employees to uphold excellence and responsibility in their daily duties.
The Legacy of Leadership: A Reflection by Dr. Christopher Kolade
Reflecting on his career and leadership philosophy, Dr. Kolade articulated his guiding principle: to begin with God, trust in Him, and remain steadfast in duty. “Your responsibility defines your status. Without responsibility, there is no status. If you don’t understand your responsibility, others will direct you down the wrong path,” he remarked.
Recognizing the inevitability of change, he stressed that while times and circumstances shift, good principles remain constant. “Leaders are tenants of time,” he noted, urging today’s business leaders to remain adaptable yet grounded in strong values.
Dr. Kolade, who left Cadbury Nigeria 23 years ago, reaffirmed that “people are the most important resource in managing a business.” He observed that many focus on status rather than responsibility, highlighting the need for organizations to prioritize the development and empowerment of their workforce.
He outlined seven fundamental principles that guide business success:
- Businesses exist to serve people.
- Customers seek value that meets their expectations of quality and worth.
- People make business resources productive.
- Each individual has the potential to deliver their best.
- Continuous learning enhances performance.
- Mistakes and failures are opportunities for growth.
- A company’s success is ultimately tied to the strength of its people.
Dr. Kolade encouraged Cadbury employees to go the extra mile, reminding them that their best contributions are still ahead.
A Legacy of Excellence and Service
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Christopher Kolade’s career has spanned education, broadcasting, corporate leadership, and diplomacy. A graduate of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, he began his career as an education officer before transitioning into broadcasting, where he served as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation until 1977.
In 1978, he joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc, making history as its first indigenous Managing Director and later serving as Chairman until 2002. His leadership shaped the company’s growth and corporate governance practices. Between 2002 and 2007, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Dr. Kolade’s commitment to ethical leadership extended into academia, where he taught Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at Lagos Business School. He has also served as the Pro-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University and is currently the Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
A recipient of the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Dr. Kolade remains a respected voice in corporate integrity, leadership, and governance. Through his foundation, The Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF), he continues to invest in Nigeria’s future, advocating for excellence and ethical leadership.
As Cadbury Nigeria celebrates 60 years of operations, Dr. Kolade’s insights serve as a guiding light for the company’s future, ensuring that it continues to create value, uphold integrity, and place people at the core of its success.
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